Street Lighting Optical Link Signaling for Interference Resilient Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Street lighting control and monitoring systems face challenges with power line carried communications due to impedance mismatches and signal attenuation, and wireless RF links are vulnerable to environmental changes and interference, while LED lighting's aging process makes it difficult to assess functional condition.
Innovation Solution
The system employs optical link signaling using luminaire LEDs for both area lighting and data transmission, enabling strobing and flashing modes, and includes optical receivers and modulators for communication, allowing for a mesh network that does not require an FCC license and is less susceptible to environmental interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power line carried communications (PLC) are used for controlling and monitoring street lighting, then control and monitoring functionality is achieved, but signal attenuation and impedance mismatch problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical communication as an intermediary medium to replace direct PLC communication. Optical signals are modulated onto the lighting system's power lines but transmitted through dedicated optical fibers or wireless optical links, acting as a mediator that avoids the electrical interference and impedance issues of traditional PLC while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical/electromagnetic field-based PLC communication system with an optical communication system. This substitution eliminates the problems associated with electrical signal transmission over power lines, including impedance mismatch and signal attenuation, by using light-based transmission instead.
2Ease of operation
If wireless non-optical RF communication links are used, then control and monitoring is achieved, but vulnerability to environmental changes and interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic wave communication with optical communication. This replacement eliminates susceptibility to RF interference from environmental sources such as weather conditions, electromagnetic noise, and malicious interference, as optical signals operate on a different frequency spectrum less affected by these factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optically isolated communication environment that is inert to electromagnetic interference. By using optical frequencies rather than RF frequencies, the communication channel becomes immune to the harmful electromagnetic environmental factors that affect traditional wireless RF communication systems.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting is used, then adequate illumination is provided, but operational cost and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the LED lighting system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both illumination and communication functions simultaneously. The LEDs serve dual purposes: providing light for area illumination and modulating optical signals for data transmission, thereby eliminating the need for separate communication infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity and operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the lighting function and communication function into a single integrated system. By combining these previously separate functions into one unified infrastructure using LED luminaires with integrated optical communication capabilities, the system reduces maintenance complexity and operational costs while maintaining adequate illumination.
4Productivity
If LED lighting is used, then operational cost is reduced, but difficulty in assessing functional condition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical communication system continuously monitors LED luminaire performance. By embedding sensors and communication modules within the LED system, real-time data on light output, electrical characteristics, and operational status is collected and transmitted, enabling continuous assessment of functional condition and early detection of degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical communication intermediary that carries both control signals and diagnostic information. This intermediary system enables bidirectional communication between the central management system and individual LED luminaires, allowing remote monitoring of functional conditions without requiring physical inspection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides reliable and efficient control and monitoring of street lighting systems, reduces maintenance complexities, and allows for accurate assessment of LED luminaire health without affecting human perception of light intensity, while being resilient to atmospheric conditions and interference.
Implementation Method 1
The optical link signaling is accomplished by using luminaire LEDs for both area lighting and optical signaling
Implementation Method 2
The optical link signaling is accomplished by using luminaire LEDs for both area lighting and optical signaling
Implementation Method 3
The optical receiver receives optical signaling from one or more other luminaires in the street lighting network
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for controlling and monitoring street lights using optical link signaling through free space which does not require an FCC license for operation. The optical link signaling is accomplished in the space between street lights by using LEDs for both area lighting and optical signaling. A Street lighting system luminaire comprises a structural member such as a pole, a lamp comprising one or more LEDs, and an optical receiver that receives optical signaling from one or more other luminaires in street lighting network. The modulator modulates the output of the lamp to launch data into the street lighting system for transport. The optical receiver and modulator enables strobing and flashing modes such as required to support emergency services.